Common Name:

General Information

Swartzia macrostachya is an evergreen shrub or tree with a sparse, elongate crown; it can grow up to 20 metres tall[]. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 60cm in diameter[].
The trees are harvested from the wild for local use of their timber.
Swartzia macrostachya is widespread in its natural range, many populations are known to occur within the protected areas network and no major threats are known to affect the species dynamics at present. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2012)[].

Known Hazards

The sawdust from wood of plants in this genus can be irritating to mill workers[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - central and eastern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Rainforests, where it can be found in the drier and more open forest as well as in gallery forests and true rainforests[]. Riverine or coastal forests, cerrado and in dry sandy savannahs[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Newly planted young trees grow away moderately well and can reach a height of 1.5 metres within 2 years[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The species has been recorded from traditional agroforestry systems known as 'cabrucas', where native trees are left in place to provide shade to the cacao plantations. The cabrucas have an important ecological role as they can be corridors for endemic species and for genetic flow between populations[].

Other Uses

The wood is straight-grained, of medium texture, heavy, moderately durable, soft to cut[]. It is used locally for internal general constructions, cabinet making, door and window frames, tool handles and boards in general[].
We have no more information on the wood of this species. However, a general description of the wood from plants in this genus is as follows:-
The heartwood is dark brown, reddish-brown, or nearly black, in solid colour or somewhat variegated; it is sharply demarcated from the nearly white to yellowish sapwood. The texture is very fine to medium; the grain straight to irregular; lustre is usually medium; there is no distinctive odour or taste. The heartwood is very resistant to attack by decay fungi and resistant to dry-wood termites, though it is not resistant to marine borers. The wood is generally reported to be moderately difficult to air dry because of checking and warp. It is difficult to work because of its high density, but it finishes very smoothly and takes a high polish. It is used for purposes such as inlay, parquet flooring, turnery, furniture, cabinetwork, violin bows, specialty items; and has been suggested as a substitute for ebony[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in individual containers in a semi-shaded position. A germination rate in excess of 50% can be expected with the seeds sprouting within 7 - 14 days. Plants are ready to be planted into their permanent positions 5 - 6 months later[].

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